The Irish Football Association is saddened to learn of the passing of its esteemed Life Member Adrian Teer.
Adrian, who passed away on New Year’s Eve after a long battle with illness, was a stalwart of Glenavon FC for almost four decades.
He served the Lurgan club as a director for nearly 40 years, including two years as managing director. He spent 27 of those years as chairman before stepping down from an official capacity at Mourneview Park at the end of last season due to ill health.
Adrian was a former chairman of the Irish Football Association’s senior clubs committee and was also involved in the old Irish Football League. He was chairman of the Northern Ireland Football League from November 2013 to May 2018 and was heavily involved with establishing NIFL.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said: “Adrian was quite simply one of Northern Ireland football's most respected administrators.
“The word gentleman is used a lot but it surely is synonymous with Adrian. The warmth of his welcome at Mourneview Park was beyond compare and he was incredibly kind during to me in my time as President.
“He could have given Chairs anywhere lessons on how to perform the role with respect, dignity and honour.”
Glenavon FC said its former chairman provided “inspired leadership”.
The club pointed out: “Adrian will be remembered as one of the longest serving and most influential administrators in the club’s 135-year history.
“During almost 70 years supporting Glenavon he rarely missed a game. He gave his all in the service of the club he loved and the sport he adored.”
Under his leadership Glenavon twice finished Irish League runners-up, won three Irish Cups, the League Cup, Gold Cup, County Antrim Shield, Charity Shield and numerous Mid Ulster Cups while qualifying for Europe on nine occasions.
